Classroom Supply Wish List

Please provide a list of science materials and/or resources (a wishlist) that you could use for your class/classroom. These items are intended to support your instruction in the classroom. These items will become part of your classroom supplies.

I haven't worked on a supply plan yet.

Having the introductory biology students for approximately 15 weeks of mostly 73 minute classes (~18 weeks per semester, - 1 week for finals, -2 weeks for HSA) and the huge range of ability and motivation, realistically I don't see doing the actual activities like gel electrophoresis with my classes. I'd need to invest time to teach the students how to use the equipment properly, time to set up/break down the hardward, time to prep the chemicals, $$$ to replace the consumables each year which aren't cheap. I have done them in the past, but the teaching conditions were very different (student range is still the same, so I'm aware of what's involved and what's possible). If the students were at the honors/advanced level, or were at least very motivated, I could see a possibility with the current teaching conditions but that's not the population I'm working with.

Now, I tend to do quick and simple simulations. So, I know the one thing that will be on my list will be the simulated gel. I would like more of the investment to go into equipment rather than consumables.

As for the rest, Lisa Ponce and I had already agreed to meet once school is over to discuss our visions. I know some of our DNA gel electrophoresis boxes have broken wires and need to be replaced, as well as some of the micropipets. I'd like to have at least one class set of basic working equipment, as the teaching conditions could always change. Lisa and I had agreed on that part early on, when we first talked about this course.

I'd also like to see what we do in the final 4 sessions. For me, its one thing to read about a technique or activity but its when I actually see it demonstrated or get to do it that it clicks for me in carrying it out in my classroom. That's another reason why I haven't gotten my wish list together.

One side comment...at the beginning, I had asked Rachel about using the stipend towards a student response system. This past weekend, I attended a training session just to learn about it, even though I don't have one. Wow. I know students like labs because they are hands on, but getting them to critically think about what they are doing is sometimes like pulling teeth. I saw the use of interactive whiteboards that could hook our digital natives, and could enhance the hands on lab experience. Feeling like I should have continued to pursue that train of thought instead of backing off. That's what I mean about seeing/doing as opposed to just reading.